The Science of Scatter Radiation and Lead Protection
The real upside of newer, smarter technologies is that the protection they provide allows for game-changing reductions in the weight and bulk of traditional wearable shielding—up to 75%—without increasing the radiation risk.
NIOSH: Healthcare Workers Most Injured by Sharps
Most sharps injuries—84%—occur among healthcare workers, NIOSH confirmed in a recently released analysis. Injuries from a needle or other sharp objects can expose workers to bloodborne pathogens, such as human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and other infectious diseases, NIOSH said in the September edition of its eNews.
Patient Volume Expected to Rebound in Fall Following Summer Dip
Patient volume has been a barometer of the financial health of providers following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the largest for-profit hospitals reported encouraging admission totals in the second quarter of the year, which contributed to stabilizing operating margins.
American College of Physicians Makes 13 Pandemic Preparedness Recommendations
The ACP position paper, which was published in Annals of Internal Medicine, makes 13 recommendations to improve public health emergency preparedness.
Healthcare Industry Can Lower Carbon Use With Focus on Energy Management
The healthcare industry—a vast category that includes businesses providing medical services, insurance, pharmaceuticals, supplies, and equipment—is also one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. According to a recent Health Care Without Harm report, the global average among industrialized countries is nearly 10% of national emissions, even more than the shipping or aviation sectors.
Healthcare Workplace Violence Legislation Introduced in Congress
The Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Worker Act was introduced by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT). The bill has bipartisan backing in the House of Representatives, with support from Don Bacon (R-NE), Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).
Quick Safety 69: Preventing Burns from Laparoscopy and Arthroscopy
On April 10, The Joint Commission published Quick Safety Issue 69: Preventing light source-related burns from laparoscopy and arthroscopy. Both arthroscopy and laparoscopy are done by inserting a narrow tube and fiber-optic camera into a small incision. For the camera to see anything in the incision, there needs to be adequate lighting, either using lamps or light cables.
Joint Commission Proposes Standard to Tackle Hospital Impact on Climate Change
Hospitals may soon have to measure energy use, fleet vehicle gas consumption, solid waste disposal, and other measures under proposed climate change standards by The Joint Commission (TJC), which puts responsibility not only on leadership but also “clinical and facility representatives.
CDC: Healthcare Facilities Threatened by Growing Antimicrobial Fungus Threat
Clinical cases of C. auris have increased every year since it was first reported in 2016, with a total of 3,270 clinical cases and 7,413 screening cases (where the fungus is detected but not causing infection) reported through December 31, 2021. And during 2019-2021, 17 states identified their first C. auris case ever.
Preventing Common and Costly Water Damage in Healthcare
Water damage presents unique challenges for the healthcare industry, and reducing or preventing this damage delivers tremendous value to patients and healthcare providers. Water damage repairs can force patients to reschedule their appointments or even to find new doctors.